News
View exchange meeting on necessity of maintaining an improved law & order situation to facilitate the ease of doing business
Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) organized a view exchange meeting on the “Necessity of maintaining an improved law & order situation to facilitate the ease of doing business” on February 28, 2026 at the DCCI Auditorium. A. H. M. Ahsan, Chairman of the Bangladesh Competition Commission attended as the Chief Guest while Md. Abdur Rahim Khan, Administrator of FBCCI attended the seminar as Special Guest.
In his welcome address, DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed said that the private sector has not achieved the desired level of progress over the past few years due to contractionary monetary policy, unexpected deterioration of the overall law and order situation, illegal extortion, irregularities, corruption, administrative complexities and bureaucratic red-tapism. He expressed hope that the newly elected government will prioritize facilitating trade and investment, particularly by improving the law-and-order situation. He emphasized that there is no alternative to ensuring a safe and predictable environment for boosting trade and investment, alongside macroeconomic stability. Furthermore, he stressed the need for increased coordination between the private sector, law enforcement agencies, policymakers and economic ministries/organizations to address the current situation.
Chairman of the Bangladesh Competition Commission A H M Ahsan stated that due to effective initiatives undertaken by the government and the private sector, a noticeable stability has been observed in the market-particularly for essential commodities-during Ramadan this year. He mentioned that there is no alternative to properly coordinating supply and demand in market management and emphasized the importance of ensuring accurate data on the use and distribution of essential goods. He added that creating a business-friendly environment in the country reduces institutional costs for entrepreneurs, which in turn positively impacts product prices. He also stressed the need for cooperation with the law enforcement agencies in maintaining law and order and expressed hope that the newly elected government would take stronger measures to ensure safety and security across all sectors.
In his remarks as Special Guest, Md. Abdur Rahim Khan, Administrator of FBCCI, said that there is no alternative to improving the law-and-order situation and ensuring proper market management for the smooth functioning of business operation. He noted that ensuring overall economic growth would help improve political system and the law-and-order situation, which would, in turn, reduce activities outside the framework of law and policy. However, he emphasized the need to ensure certain reform measures promptly so that visible changes can be observed and public confidence restored.
Shibir Bicitra Barua, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce stated that a lack of stability in the overall law and order situation creates a crisis of confidence among the businesses and discourages both local and foreign investment. He mentioned that the Ministry of Commerce has undertaken initiatives to introduce the IPO Policy 2025–28, which will further facilitate business and investment activities.
Abdul Jalil, Director of Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection said that excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides in domestically produced potatoes is deteriorating their quality, and due to the failure to meet international standards, Bangladesh is being deprived of potato exports to foreign markets. He emphasized the need for effective initiatives through coordination among farmers, entrepreneurs, and government agencies.
Mohammad Harun Or Rashid, Deputy Commissioner, Dhaka Metropolitan Police mentioned that approximately 500,000 new battery-operated auto-rickshaws have been added to Dhaka city after the election, significantly contributing to traffic congestion. To address the situation, the police have already undertaken several initiatives, and he expressed hope that some positive changes would be visible after Eid, bringing relief to city dwellers. He also opined that to control auto-rickshaws, it is necessary to regulate the import policy of related equipment and bring charging garages under proper monitoring and supervision. Furthermore, he urged the public to refrain from occupying footpaths and roads for setting up shops to reduce traffic congestion and assured that the police would take the highest level of initiative to control extortion.
In the open discussion session Haji Abul Hashem stated that traffic congestion and the deterioration of the law and order situation are two major concerns for businesspeople, and the government must take a strong role to address these issues. He also expressed the need for a tolerable VAT and tax policy so that businesspeople can operate comfortably.
Haji Md. Golam Mowla stated that although market management is discussed during times of crisis, no significant steps are observed to improve the overall situation once conditions stabilize. He also mentioned that due to the lack of accurate data on essential commodities, effective results in market management are not being achieved. Additionally, extortion during product transportation increases prices, and he urged the government to take stricter measures to control it.
Haji Md. Monir Hossain stated that improving traffic management would significantly reduce the cost of doing business.
Haji Mohammad Ali Bhutto mentioned that although trade facilitation is often discussed, allowing only a limited number of institutions to import essential commodities creates syndicates, resulting in higher prices. Therefore, more genuine business entities should be permitted to import such products.
Tarikul Islam Khan, Managing Director of Nahar Cold Storage Limited, stated that potatoes are currently being sold at very low prices. In many areas of northern Bangladesh, potatoes are being sold at only BDT 8 per kilogram, causing severe losses to farmers. Although compensation for affected farmers has been discussed, it has not yet been ensured.
DCCI Senior Vice President Razeev H Chowdhury, Vice President Md. Salem Sulaiman and members of the Board of Directors were also present on the occasion.
Published on: 2026-02-28